South Korea are one of Asia’s most consistent footballing nations and have assembled their most European-seasoned group ever for the 2026 tournament under coach Hong Myung-bo – a legendary figure in South Korean football who captained the nation to their greatest ever World Cup performance in 2002.
Football is deeply embedded in South Korean culture. The K League is one of Asia’s most competitive domestic leagues and the country has consistently produced players who have gone on to excel in Europe’s top leagues.
With an identity built around intensity, speed and tactical discipline, the Taeguk Warriors will look to become one of the tournament’s surprise teams once again.
How they got there
South Korea topped Group B of AFC World Cup Qualification with 22 points from ten games, earning an automatic place in this summer’s tournament.
They were unbeaten throughout – six wins and four draws – in a commanding campaign that left no doubt about their place at the finals.
Best ever World Cup finish
South Korea reached the semi-finals at the 2002 World Cup, becoming the first Asian team ever to reach that stage.
Co-hosting the tournament alongside Japan, they eliminated Spain and Italy in the knockout rounds before losing to Germany in the semi-finals and finishing fourth.
It remains the greatest achievement in Asian World Cup history. More recently they reached the Round of 16 in 2022 before losing to Brazil.
Iconic moments
The 2002 semi-final run stands alone as South Korea’s greatest footballing achievement. Defeating Italy and Spain on home soil – both in controversial but dramatic circumstances – captured the imagination of the entire world.
Son Heung-min scored the iconic goal in added time against Germany in 2018, sealing a 2-0 win that eliminated the defending champions from the group stage – one of the most celebrated upsets in modern World Cup history.
Players to watch
Son Heung-min (LAFC) – South Korea’s captain and all-time record scorer with 54 goals in 143 appearances. Son has surpassed 170 goals in England and is arguably the greatest South Korean player of all time.
He holds the South Korean World Cup scoring record of three goals alongside Park Ji-sung and Ahn Jung-hwan and could break it outright in North America.
Kim Min-jae (Bayern Munich) – A central defender for Bayern Munich with 75 international caps. One of the best centre-backs in the world, his physicality, aerial ability and composure make him South Korea’s most important defensive player.
Lee Kang-in (Paris Saint-Germain) – A creative and technically gifted attacking midfielder who provides South Korea with their most dangerous option behind Son. The 25-year-old has 46 caps and 11 goals for South Korea and arrives at the World Cup as a Champions League winner after PSG’s Budapest triumph.
Fixtures
11 Jun: South Korea vs Czech Republic – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 05:00 SAST
18 Jun: Mexico vs South Korea – Estadio Akron, Guadalajara – 04:00 SAST
24 Jun: South Africa vs South Korea – Estadio BBVA, Guadalupe – 04:00 SAST
Photo: REUTERS/Lisa Leutner
